How to place a value on item that was sold without permission

[Kellee40]

I live in California. I stored a cement mixer on someones property with their permission, no length of time discussed. This was appros. 6 mos. ago. I found out today that they sold it for $120. It is worth a lot more, especially to me as I am a contractor and needed it to build my new home. Sheriffs office told me to file in small claims court. How to I go about placing a value on it?

 

[TigerD]

I live in California. I stored a cement mixer on someones property with their permission, no length of time discussed. This was appros. 6 mos. ago. I found out today that they sold it for $120. It is worth a lot more, especially to me as I am a contractor and needed it to build my new home. Sheriffs office told me to file in small claims court. How to I go about placing a value on it?

Purchase price less depreciation.

TD